The stigma of suspicion of bearing illegitimate children is the common feature which all the women of Matthew's genealogy share. This theme links the genealogy with the rest of Matthew 1-2, in which the question of illegitimacy shifts from the Messiah's birth to his kingship. At least as prominent in chapter two as the fulfillment quotations and geographical references is the repeated mention of Herod. Along with his personally installed religious leaders, Herod is seen as an illegitimate ruler, in contrast with Jesus, the one legitimately "born" king of the Jews. He whose birth is clouded with accusations of illegitimacy comes to identify with and save all who suffer due to similar accusations and to overthrow those who abuse their power and exploit the oppressed.
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